An act relating to law enforcement interrogation policies

This Vermont bill establishes statewide standards for law enforcement interrogations to prevent false confessions and wrongful convictions. It requires the Vermont Criminal Justice Council to create a model policy that prohibits law enforcement from using threats, physical harm, or deception during interrogations of all individuals, with specific protections for people under 20 and those with disabilities or low literacy. The bill also bans training officers in deceptive interrogation techniques like the Reid Technique and ties compliance with these standards to eligibility for state training services and financial grants. Law enforcement agencies must adopt and follow the model policy by April 1, 2025, with the Council reviewing and updating the policy every odd-numbered year thereafter.